New York Yankees Announce Jose Caballero Decision During Braves Series

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 03: Jose Caballero #72 of the New York runs out his home run during the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

There was no quit in the New York Yankees on Friday night during their series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium.

New York entered the ninth inning down 2-0 but rallied to tie the game before going on to win 3-2 in extra innings.

Now, ahead of Saturday’s afternoon showdown, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made several notable lineup changes as they prepare to face Braves ace Chris Sale.

Yankees Announce Jose Caballero Decision

With the recent call-up of top prospect George Lombard Jr., along with the additions of Luis Garcia Jr. and Heliot Ramos, Jose Caballero has seen his playing time decrease.

However, after logging one at-bat off the bench Friday night as a pinch hitter and sitting Thursday, Caballero is back in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the series.

Caballero will start at second base and bat eighth in the lineup. The rest of the infield will feature Paul Goldschmidt returning at first base, Garcia Jr. moving to the bench, Lombard Jr. at shortstop and Amed Rosario starting at third base.

Both Ryan McMahon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. will also likely be available off the bench.

Yankees 8/8

P. Goldschmidt 1B
H. Ramos LF
B. Rice DH
A. Rosario 3B
T. Grisham CF
G. Lombard Jr. SS
S. Jones RF
J. Caballero 2B
A. Wells C

G. Cole SP

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 8, 2026

Caballero’s 2026 Season

Caballero has been a Swiss Army knife for Boone and the Yankees. He’s played all over the field, has come up big at the plate several times and adapts well to a platoon role.

Across 99 games and 319 at-bats this season, Caballero is batting .245 with 38 runs, 78 hits, 12 home runs and 41 RBIs, while slugging .395 and maintaining a .692 OPS.